Reduce stress with massage therapy

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, it’s easy to get caught up with the stress, and there’s no better way to conquer stress than getting a massage.

Massage therapy is one of the most effective methods to combat stress. For the millions of people who go home stressed every day, it’s no wonder that massage therapy is an immensely successful industry, estimated to be worth $11.7 billion in 2014. Massage therapy offers a quick solution to stress that no other drug can do.

What exactly makes massage therapy so relaxing?

Massage therapy promotes a healthier blood flow, especially on those areas tightened by stress. Your muscle contracts when stressed, and massage therapy can ease up the tension to improve blood flow. Tension in your muscles can become quite uncomfortable if not dealt with right away.

If you’ve ever had massage done by a professional before, you’d know that massage therapy is not just relaxing; it’s rejuvenating as well. Massage reduces or eliminates pain in certain areas of your body. Every day, our body goes through a lot of strain. We experience pain on a daily basis. We get small bumps here and there, maybe even overworked muscles from time to time. Over the years, our body has learned to mute the pain. Massage therapy alleviates the pain altogether, which makes you feel refreshed after getting a massage.

Getting a massage

Before getting a massage, it’s best to prepare yourself so you can get the most out of your massage experience. Here are 5 ways to prepare before getting a massage:

Be on time – rushing to meet the appointment could cause stress, which is counterproductive. It would take longer for you to be at a relaxed state if you come stressed. Be at least 15-30 minutes before your appointment to enjoy your massage with less stress to deal with.

Be comfortable – If you’re not comfortable with removing all of your clothing, let your therapist know. The purpose of the therapy is for you to relax, and being uncomfortable won’t let you be anywhere near relaxed.

Let your therapist know about your injuries or surgeries – you don’t want your therapist to accidentally nudge your herniated disc. The course of your therapy will be based on what your body can take.

Shower before your session – some spas have shower rooms that you can use. If there’s none, shower before you leave the house. If possible, exfoliate. It makes the experience better for everyone.

Try not to eat before getting a massage – Having a full stomach before getting a massage may cause some discomfort, especially when your therapist is working on your abdomen area.

Getting a massage is a fantastic way to de-stress, rejuvenate and alleviate pain. Be prepared to schedule several visits as massage has its best benefits over time. The more your body gets used to the massage, the more it will be receptive to the healing effects of massage. Also, remember who your massage therapist is, so when you come back for another session, your therapist would be familiar with your massage preference.